The civilized
2002 Subaru Forester sport-utility vehicle is above-average in most respects, but the revamped early 2003 model is significantly better. Roomier and sharper looking, it has more refinement, comfort and safety. As always, the Forester is carlike--only it's more so now that it's built on the platform of the updated 2002 version of Subaru's Impreza sedan/station wagon.
It has an excellent standard all-wheel-drive system and decent ground clearance, but has no low-range gearing and thus isn't for tough off-road use. No Subaru since the discontinued 1990s SVX sports car won a beauty contest, but the Forester's new styling gives it a crisper look. It has a larger, more pronounced grille, contoured headlights, flared front fenders, blister type rear quarter panels and large, triangular taillights.
Subaru didn't change the styling just to give the Forester a prettier face. For instance, it makes this compact sport-ute fractionally lower and more aerodynamic for less wind noise. Also, the front edges of the aluminum hood have been sculpted with "character lines'' to help a driver better judge the vehicle's corners. The aluminum hood reduces weight far from the 3,100-pound Forester's center of gravity to enhance handling.
For the same reason, bumper beams and roof rails also are aluminum. Total weight is down about 100 pounds to approximately 3,100 pounds, although the body structure is stronger. The wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) is unchanged at 99.4 inches, but the Forester is fractionally shorter overall at 175.2 inches. It thus remains easy to maneuver and park.
The Forester retains its compact 2.5-liter 165-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which has a Porsche-style opposed piston layout that lets it sit low in the chassis for a low center of gravity and above-average handling. Also contributing to handling--a sore point on some sport-utes--is new suspension tuning, larger 16-inch (versus the old 15-inch) standard wheels and wider rear track (distance between two wheels on the same axle). The Forester easily sweeps through curves at speeds that would have the tires screeching and the body swaying with other sport-utes. Steering is accurate and the easily modulated brakes are larger in front and provide short stops--although the pedal is rather soft and has a long throw. As for the ride, a supple all-independent suspension allows you to close your eyes and almost feel as if you're in a car.
The single-overhead-camshaft engine provides lively acceleration to 60 mph, but 65-75 mph passing times are average. Fuel economy is an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26-27 on highways. Safety features include new front seat head/chest side-impact air bags and "active'' front seat head restraints, along with a new dual-stage front passenger air bag. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, but a smooth-shifting $800 four-speed automatic transmission is offered for the two new models.
The manual gearbox resurrects Subaru's handy new Hill Holder clutch feature that prevents the Forester from rolling backwards when you release the brake pedal and keep the clutch depressed on a hill. But one wonders if there's really anything new under the sun because the 1950s Studebaker had the same "holder'' feature. For 2003, the base X model replaces the L model and the new high-line SX replaces the S model. The X starts at $20,545, while the XS begins at $22,895.
The ultimate Forester is the XS with a Premium package, leather upholstery and automatic transmission. It goes for $25,445. A generous amount of standard equipment has been a strong Forester feature, so even the base X model is well equipped with such items as all-wheel drive, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, new AM/FM/CD weatherband stereo and folding rear seatbacks. Also, a new keyless entry system does away with exterior passenger-side door and tailgate locks.
The XS adds automatic climate control, heated front seats, new 120-watt sound system, upgraded upholstery and rear disc brakes. It also has a new electronic brake distribution system for surer stops. The Premium Package available for the XS adds a huge power sunroof, with leather upholstery offered as an option with the Premium Package-equipped model. The leather definitely dresses up the functional interior, which has a motorcycle-style instrument panel and is quiet except for some tire noise. Improved front seats provide better lateral support when cornering.
And there's decent room for four 6-footers, partly because rear leg room and foot room have been increased slightly. However, narrow rear doorways hinder entry and exit and the pop-out rear cupholders are flimsy. A big tailgate allows easy access to the cargo area, which is wide but rather high. It can be enlarged by flipping forward the 60/40-split rear seatbacks. While the 2002 Forester was pretty good, the new version is an even stronger competitor to such rivals as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
2002 SUBARU FORESTER
Prices
$20,545-$25,445
Likes
Carlike. Roomy. Decent acceleration. Excellent handling. Nice ride. Well-equipped.
Dislikes
Narrow rear door openings. Rather high cargo area. Flimsy rear cupholders.